Toronto Caribbean Carnival and more reasons to go big this long weekend in GTA

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Don’t mistake those island sights and sounds for the Caribbean but, rather, it’s Toronto’s time to get tropical.

The heat of summer is on as we welcome August with a banger of a long weekend.

Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade

Get ready to be wowed as masqueraders dance and steel pan bands wind their way in the largest event of the annual festival.

Celebrate it all when the festivities begin on Saturday at 7 a.m. while the parade kicks off at 9 a.m. as it travels along a 3.5-km stretch on Lakeshore Blvd., starting at Exhibition Place.

Watch it anywhere along Lakeshore Blvd. W. and the EX Place grounds, or from Marilyn Bell Park and the Goodman Trail.

Note: Road closures are in effect along the parade route from Saturday at 12 a.m. and conclude Sunday at 7 a.m.

Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Fort York Blvd. to Colborne Lodge Dr., Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Bathurst St. to Fort York Blvd., Strachan Ave. southbound from Fleet St., Lake Shore Blvd. W. from westbound Strachan to Parkside Dr., and eastbound Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Colborne Lodge Drive to Strachan.

Also closed is the westbound Gardiner Expressway on-ramp at Jameson Ave., the eastbound Gardiner off-ramp at Jameson, the eastbound Gardiner on-ramp from Jameson Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W. at British Columbia Rd., and westbound Gardiner off-ramp at Dunn Ave.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

If you want to escape the parade route, head to Carnival Villages at its two main locations, where you can immerse yourself at cultural hubs bursting with live performances, artisan vendors, pop-up bar lounge, and Caribbean cuisine.

Head to Sankofa Square on Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Coronation Park on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For steelpan music, the Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA) brings the culture of Trinidad & Tobago to life as bands and pannists compete in Toronto Panorama Keepin’ Pan Alive.

The energetic event is on Friday at Lamport Stadium from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Pan In D’ Park is a laid-back celebration of pan music in the purest form.

Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a day filled with melodies and good vibes at Neilson Park in Scarborough.

For tickets (for Toronto Panorama Keepin’ Pan Alive) and more information, click here.

Island Vibes

Soak up Caribbean soul celebrating the vibrant people, bold cuisine and irresistible rhythms of the islands through a unique blend of music, food, DJ battles and cultural activities.

Experience the rhythm and magic on the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For tickets and more information, click here.

GhanaFest

Sample the rich culture and heritage of the Ghanaian community featuring traditional cuisine, language lessons, games, vendors, performers, and a broad spectrum arts exhibit show featuring local, national and international Black artists.

Head to this magnificent cultural showcase at Earl Bales Park in North York on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Toronto Food Truck Festival

Expect dozens of trucks serving up some tasty eats while local Toronto talent provide live entertainment while kids can enjoy fun, free games, and the brave can take part in eating challenges.

Head to Woodbine Park on Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Scarborough Rib Fest

Strap on the bib and get ready for a mouth-watering, finger-licking, belly-rubbing good time, thanks to delectable barbecue from some of the most skilled ribbers around.

There’s also live music, a daily karaoke contest, midway rides and more.

Dig in at Thomson Memorial Park on Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Taste of India Festival

Transport yourself into a majestic spectacle filled with the diverse traditions, flavours, rhythms and heritage of India featuring more than 1,100 artists while over 80 food vendors will have you savouring authentic Indian flavours.

There’s also art installations, cultural décor, a bazaar-style marketplace, kids’ zone and so much more.

Journey to Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Royal Canadian Circus

Experience world-class, mesmerizing performers, and edge-of-your-seat stunts from daring acrobatics and daredevils as they deliver non-stop excitement for one and all.

If you’re looking for action-packed goodness while beating the heat, then step right up and head to the Big Top.

Swing over to Promenade Shopping Centre in Thornhill on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Monday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Mosaic Festival

Join the special celebrations with A-list artists from India and Pakistan as they come together to celebrate their joint heritage, culture and art.

Rock the Coliseum, Mississauga’s longest running, all-ages, free indie music festival, is also part of the massive event, as is the Rising Star competition.

The award-winning South Asian festival bring the best of art, culture, cuisine and shopping, as well as free arts-and-crafts workshops and more.

It’s all at Celebration Square in Mississauga on Friday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information, click here.